Jan 29, 2015
You may employ a substance abuser without realizing it. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly three-fourths of the 14 million Americans who illegally use drugs have jobs.
Drug and alcohol abusers work for many of the same reasons non addicts work. They have bills to pay and families to support. Many addicts have advanced educational degrees and jobs with remarkable salaries.
Employers need to address workplace substance abuse and take steps to raise employee awareness. By establishing formal workplace substance abuse programs, businesses across the country have bolstered worker safety and health, and increased productivity and the profits it directly impacts.
Every company can create a formal program addressing substance abuse in the workplace. The US Department of Labor says the most effective programs have five standard components: